‘How to lift’ training remains a common but ineffective strategy for preventing workplace musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), despite evidence it does not reduce injuries, according to research.
Published in the International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, the research found that more than 70 per cent of employers and WHS providers used or delivered ‘how to lift’ training in the past two years.
Lead author Dr Jodi Oakman from La Trobe University said the findings highlighted a significant gap between research evidence and workplace practices for preventing MSDs.
‘How to lift’ training does not address the complex causes of MSDs, which involve both physical and psychosocial workplace hazards, said Dr Oakman, who explained that effective prevention requires a comprehensive systems-based approach that considers all relevant risk factors.
The study surveyed 1507 employers and WHS providers, with most responses from Queensland. It found that many incorrectly believed that ‘how to lift’ training was legally required or necessary for MSD prevention programs.
“Over 85 per cent of all respondents considered it necessary to include ‘how to lift’ training as part of MSD prevention programs; and 75 per cent of respondents believed it was a legislative requirement to use ‘how to lift’ training,” the researchers reported.
Dr Oakman said this reflected “inadequate knowledge of MSD aetiology and WHS legislative requirements” among both employers and providers.
The research summary noted MSDs account for approximately 50 per cent of all work-related injuries in Australia and similar proportions in other countries. It highlighted the substantial evidence base demonstrating ‘how to lift’ training is not effective for reducing MSD risk.
WHS providers reported they would deliver ‘how to lift’ training if the service was requested, even if they knew it was ineffective. One provider commented: “As a business, this is an offering that appeals to paying customers, however we would offer it as a starting point in a discussion about other more effective strategies to minimise risk of injury from manual tasks.”
Many employers believed ‘how to lift’ training was necessary to demonstrate regulatory compliance or defend against negligence claims. An employer in the transport sector stated: “Research demonstrates manual handling training is ineffective [and the] WorkSafe website identifies training is ineffective, yet there is a conflict in workers compensation common law requiring training to protect against claims.”
The researchers called for a multifaceted approach to address the evidence-practice gap, including:
- Improved education on MSD risk factors and prevention strategies
- Clarification from regulators on WHS legislative requirements
- Development of evidence-based resources and tools for workplaces
- Greater use of implementation science principles to improve uptake of effective interventions
“Ensuring MSD prevention strategies are based on implementation science frameworks may offer opportunities to reduce the evidence-to-practice gaps that are proving challenging to address,” Dr Oakman said.
The study authors noted Australian and New Zealand WHS regulators recently released a position statement clarifying ‘how to lift’ training is not evidence-based or required under WHS legislation. This statement aims to address misconceptions about ‘how to lift’ training’s effectiveness and legal requirements.
Dr Oakman emphasised the need for workplace MSD prevention programs to address both physical and psychosocial hazards using a comprehensive systems-based approach.
A range of barriers exist in workplace implementation of interventions and compliance, said Dr Oakman, who added that overcoming these will require collaboration between researchers, WHS professionals, employers and regulators to translate the latest evidence into effective workplace practices.
The researchers concluded that solutions to address the beliefs of employers and providers on the need to undertake ‘how to lift’ training will require a multifactorial approach. Key barriers identified in previous research included a focus on individual worker characteristics, workplace policies and procedures addressing only physical work tasks, and low manager competencies in identifying and addressing psychosocial hazards.
WHS professionals have a crucial role in shifting workplace practices away from ineffective ‘how to lift’ training towards evidence-based, systems-focused approaches to MSD prevention, Dr Oakman concluded. This will require ongoing education, advocacy and support to help employers implement more effective strategies.